79–76) Jamaica smokes the world: First, Usain Bolt shattered the 100-METER WORLD RECORD, then the 200-METER WORLD RECORD, then, with three teammates, the 4 x 100-METER WORLD RECORD. And let's not forget about Jamaica's WOMEN'S TRACK TEAM, which garnered three more golds, bringing the island's total to six—the best haul per capita of any nation at the Games.

75) Hats off to BROOKS. The company invented the world's first running shoe with a biodegradable midsole (which breaks down in 20 years, as opposed to 1,000), then declined to patent it, so others would be free to use the earth-friendly technology.

74) Beach-volleyball champ Kerri Walsh revealed more than a taut body in her Team USA bikini. KINESIO TAPE, the stuff seen all over her surgically repaired right shoulder, became a phenomenon. And with good reason. When applied correctly, the cotton tape has been shown to ease pain and aid healing.

73) Iron Man? We'll take real-life, self-made superhero FUSIONMAN. Yves Rossy, 49, of Switzerland, dropped from a plane at 8,000 feet and used the four jet turbines on his homemade JetWing to hit 125 mph as he flew across the 22-mile English Channel.

72) OUTSIDER #2
Correspondent DAVE HAHN, who on May 23 summited Everest for the tenth time—a record for anyone whose last name isn't Sherpa.

71) A rare bit of good news for air travelers: The OPEN SKIES AGREEMENT, which went into effect after years of negotiation, frees carriers from dated regulations that required all flights to take off or land in the airline's home country. The move opens the international market to competition, which should mean more choices and cheaper tickets.

70) Maybe it was the ANTI-SNOWBOARDING IS ANTI-FAMILY bumper stickers. Or maybe the 21st century just arrived a bit late. (New Mexico can be slow to adapt.) Regardless, TAOS SKI VALLEY finally opened the best terrain in the Southwest—some of the best in the country, actually—to snowboarders. Don't worry, Alta: You've still got Mad River Glen to keep you company.